- Council Leader unveils a special fund to deliver big projects
THE Leader of Liverpool City Council today (22 March 2012) has unveiled his plan to sell the city more effectively to compete on the world stage.
Cllr Joe Anderson said that a new major events programme from 2012-2015 delivered by a dedicated marketing team in Liverpool Vision will ensure that the city continues to build on its recent successes in hosting major conferences and events.
Cllr Anderson also revealed, in front of an invited audience at the Museum of Liverpool, that he is creating a Liverpool Fund of £350,000. Liverpool Vision will manage this resource and seek match funding from the private sector.
This will be used to support key projects and any profits from the Fund will be reinvested in new programming.
The new body, Marketing Liverpool, will be established within Liverpool Vision, the city’s economic development company, to promote the Liverpool brand nationally and internationally, working closely with Culture Liverpool and Tourism.
Cllr Anderson pledged that Liverpool will:
- host an annual Festival of Entrepreneurship, building on the success of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress
- host an International Trade Fair to boost the city’s status as a centre of digital creativity, life sciences and clean, sustainable technology
- build on the success of Mathew Street Music Festival to host Europe’s premier festival of music
- make the waterfront the city’s greatest stage, enhancing its status as a global visitor destination through the creation of a £40 million Exhibition Centre adjacent to ACC Liverpool
- develop an expanded Cruise Liner Terminal
- celebrate the city’s role as a gateway to the New World with an International Migration Centre
- celebrate the city’s maritime heritage by developing a new River Festival to become Europe’s biggest maritime event
- assert Liverpool’s status as a global brand by attracting and hosting business, cultural and sporting events of international significance
Cllr Anderson said: “In the time I have been Leader, our events and conferences have made a real economic impact and helped to improve and strengthen our reputation as an outward looking and welcoming international city.
“We have just delivered the largest entrepreneurs event ever and next month Sea Odyssey will be in Liverpool, which is set to be the largest street theatre event in Europe this year.
“Our ambition therefore cannot be dimmed, it is time for big ideas if we are to compete effectively on an international stage.
“Having a dedicated body, like other cities do, to lead our campaigns is vital if we are to move to another level. The Liverpool Plan with the public and private sectors working together will cement our place as a great destination for visitors and investors.
“This plan is a blueprint that makes our offer even better, a new way of working that defines the city’s ambition and vision. It is a reflection of the confidence we have and we must shape our own destiny.”
Max Steinberg, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, added: “A city like Liverpool cannot stand still so we have to renew our thinking continually as well as our infrastructure for a modern audience.
“In order for us to grow we need to invest, in our people and our places. And this is reflected in the list of projects that we intend to deliver in the next few years.
“Liverpool has so many elements to build on – strong international relationships, a rich musical and maritime heritage, a world class sporting pedigree, excellence in life sciences, automotive, creative and digital industries and professional services.
“Our attractions and our people have already made Liverpool a compelling destination and the thousands who attended GEC from all over the world last week told us that Liverpool is an amazing city.
“If we are to ensure Liverpool’s rightful place as one of Europe’s great cities we need to maintain and accelerate our momentum.”
ends
For further information please contact Jonathan Caswell, Head of Public Relations at Liverpool Vision on 0151 600 2946 / jcaswell@liverpoolvision.co.uk